May 1944

Italy

In the US 5th Army's II Corps area, the 85th Division continues pursuit of the enemy through the Formia corridor, the 338th Infantry entering Formia where the enemy is still resisting. The 337th Infantry, after a strong srtillery concentration on Monte Campese, drives to Maranola. The 351st Infantry, 88th Division, with the 3rd Battalion in the lead, attempts to take Monte Grande, west of the Itri-Pico road, but is halted by heavy fire and tanks. The 350th Infantry moving forward in 2 convoys to Trivio, advances on foot through Maranola to positions south of the 351st Infantry.

In the FEC area, on column of the Mountain Corps is clearing the region west and northwest of Monte Revole as far as the Itri-Pico road. A second column reaches positions south of Monte del Lago. The Algeriand 3rd Division enters Esperia, which is undefended, but meets strong opposition while continuing pursuit toward Sante Oliva. Other elements begin the ascent of Monte Oro, a key position overlooking the Hitler Line. The 1st Motorized Divisin, continuing northwest along the south bank of the Liri, is halted by fire from Monte Oro and extensive mine fields.

The British 8th Army begins a general offensive. The Canadian I Corps drives westward on the left flank of the army toward the Hitler Line. The XIII Corps and the Polish II Corps, in concerted attacks to isolate Cassino, make supstantial progress, but the Germans are keeping an escape route open and withdrawing the Cassino garrison through it. The XIII Corps cuts Highway 6 while the Polish II Corps recovers Phantom Ridge and captures Colle Sant' Angelo.